Stanford Hall, Nottinghamshire

Stanford Hall dates from the late 18th century, with east and west wings added in the 19th century, and further additions in the 20th century.

During World War II it was used as an army transport supply centre as well as being used for military convalescence.

In 1944 it was sold to the Co-operative Society, which ran a college and educational department of the Co-operative Union from there.

Between 2001 and 2007 it was owned by a company which intended to develop it for hotel and leisure purposes. Two planning applications were submitted but both were withdrawn.

Between 2007 and 2011 it was owned by businessman Chek Whyte, who appeared on the television programme Secret Millionaire but was later declared bankrupt.

A report prepared for a council planning meeting, which is due to take place at 19:00 BST, states: "The provision of proposed defence and national rehabilitation centres are projects of national importance and benefits, with clear government support."

Treating wider public

The report adds: "On balance it is considered that the degree of harm to the heritage assets, measured against the public and other benefits, weighs in favour of granting planning permission and listed building consent for the development as proposed."

While Headley Court is a Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall would be a Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC).

The main difference between the two is that the expertise used to treat the service personnel would be used to treat the wider public, for example people who have been involved in car accidents.

Stanford Hall was chosen because of its central location and accessibility to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where armed forces personnel are treated.

The Ministry of Defence said that a ministerial decision about replacing DMRC Headley Court would not be made until the end of the year.